Bought an old BMW M3, filled with regret...

Marvin said:
Fair enough - I didn't realise the Evolve Alpha N tune wasn't so good low down on the M3. It's well liked on the M5, but I imagine that it'll be down to the individual engine characteristics.
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It works and it functions. But of course the fuel trims are pre-set to a reason, hence why its called alpha-n. So the car does not drive as nice on part throttle and lower RPM, don't get me wrong it is still fine, but then if you get in a car with an active maf sensor (stock air box) or a properly setup CSL tuned car with map sensor, you instantly notice how much smoother it is. :)
 
Gaygle said:
You had a drive with the new MAF installed yet?
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I gave it an Italian tune-up on the way in this morning. I’ve had the car nearly 3 years now and got it at around 62k mileage, it’s now on 99k. The new MAF has immediately improved engine response at lower rpms. Throttle inputs react quicker in this range now, and it’s more how I remember the car feeling thinking back when I first got it. So obviously during the ownership period the original MAF had slowly started to get worse and worse until it died.

As mentioned, I didn’t notice anything out the ordinary until it died, but now that I’ve driven the with the new MAF, I can confirm low down throttle response and general engine “eagerness” below 4000rpm is noticeably better. Above 4krpm the MAF plays a lesser role so this makes sense.

I'll also be cleaning the MAF once or twice a year, as when using the stock airbox, people recommend once a year cleaning using MAF cleaner. The EVenturi lets more air in, so could allow more microscopic particles to accumulate over time.

This has all been a new learning experience :cool:
 
Good news,

I think I mentioned here or another thread that my Eventuri had a perished rubber washer and foam o-ring around the carbon cone itself. I contacted Evolve about it and they've offered to replace the items under warranty They also offered me a revised filter for £30 (normal price is £62), so I've gone for that too.

They say:

The construction of the material has changed to provide more filtration without compromising air flow.
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rps20170918_114932_379.jpg


Neat :cool:
 
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mrk said:
Good news,

I think I mentioned here or another thread that my Eventuri had a perished rubber washer and foam o-ring around the carbon cone itself. I contacted Evolve about it and they've offered to replace the items under warranty They also offered me a revised filter for £30 (normal price is £62), so I've gone for that too.

They say:




rps20170918_114932_379.jpg


Neat :cool:
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Only just seen this. That is a good result. Will have to check mine again shortly to double check the seal. Though your idea about the M3 heating the seal up more then the Z4M maybe correct.

How does the new filter compare to the old one?
 
Can't say I've noticed any difference. Evolve said the material construction gives better filtration but doesn't affect airflow.


Also, Inspection 2 in 900 miles, will find out what needs replacing then.

#PrayForWallet
 
Just keep an eye on your MAF. Sometimes I wonder if mine was fast tracked to failure due to the extra dust and stuff getting in through the old filter material!
 
Don't know yet tbh. I kinda just got to the stage where I want something that I don't need to be so precious about. It gets wearing having to constantly worry about where I park it, where I drive it etc. A £500 snotter looks attractive at the moment.

But tbh, I'll probably get something interesting again soon.

Are you thinking of parting with yours at some point?
 
There are times I get fed up with the convertible side of things. Like on a crisp weekend I look out the window after getting out of bed and think "I'm going to shower, eat, then go for a bloody good drive", then by the time I'm ready to get out the door, the weather turns rank. Oh and not forgetting if a bird poos on the roof. It's not a simple task of lashing it with hot water until it rolls away, there's a tedious process to getting it cleanly off the canvas :rolleyes:

And then there's the front windows that creak against the rubber seals when the roof is up on a wet day, a phenomenon caused by moisture in the air and canvas.

But when the weather is right, and the roof is down, any thoughts I had of maybe changing it go out the window. I genuinely can't think of a better car to just drive on the road and enjoy the engine, cabin, and feel. And on occasion, take 3 other fully grown humans in decent comfort. It's also well suited to long motorway drives, the roof is well insulated and it's very stable at any speed. I just don't know what other car could do the same things for similar money. I'd also miss the noise this makes :(

Many folks want more power, or more torque, but I think 345BHP and 385Nm is plenty for the road, yeah slightly modified modern hot hatches could probably give me a good seeing to, but those things don't really bother me.

I do understand what you mean about stuff like worrying about parking it in a certain place. Just the other week I discovered a couple of minor scuffs on the rear bumper where someone had clearly rubbed against it attempting to enter or exit a parking space. Luckily it was just surface scuffs, and a few rubs with crunchy peanut butter and a dab of Triple sorted it.

Looking back at all the energy put into keeping it in good mechanical and cosmetic condition, I feel that I've invested too much into it that it's probably not worth changing at all. I do want to get an all electric daily car though as originally planned, and with the way things are heading, it looks like there should be plenty of affordable options in a few years time.
 
mrk said:
Just keep an eye on your MAF. Sometimes I wonder if mine was fast tracked to failure due to the extra dust and stuff getting in through the old filter material!
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Hmm for £62 I might get one then. Filter will be two years old come Feb so it's had plenty of use. I'll check my MAF next time I'll clean the car. Got that head light restoration kit I had hoped to do before the next meet but the weather's been naff.
 
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